Why Leeds Beckett was the right choice for me

Courses

Leeds Beckett offers an impressive variety of courses across its two campuses, and for me, choosing Primary Education has been such a rewarding decision. I’m absolutely loving the course! From day one, I’ve felt supported and challenged by the diverse seminars and lectures. They do an incredible job of ensuring we really understand the material and feel secure in the knowledge we’re gaining. What I love most is the practical element of the course — especially the placements we do throughout the three years. These placements have been invaluable in giving me real-world teaching experience and a chance to apply everything I’ve learned in the classroom. They’ve really helped build my confidence as an aspiring educator.

While I can speak from experience about my course, I know my friends in other courses feel just as positive about their time at Leeds Beckett. They often tell me how much they enjoy their studies and find their work both interesting and challenging. Whether it’s courses in business, law, or creative arts, everyone I’ve spoken to has found a course that really excites them and pushes them to grow. This sense of community and variety is one of the things that makes Leeds Beckett such a great place to study — you’re bound to find something that aligns with your passions and career goals.

Faculty

One of the first things that really stood out to me during my Open Day at Leeds Beckett was how attentive and caring the staff seemed. Honestly, I was a little skeptical at first — wondering if it was just part of the show for prospective students. But now, having spent a few years here, I can confidently say that this genuine care is not just for display. Every member of staff I’ve worked with, whether academic or not, has been consistently supportive and always ready to help in any way they can.

What really struck me, especially in my first few weeks, was how much my professors and academic tutors genuinely want to see me succeed. They’re not just teaching their courses — they’re invested in each student’s growth. I’ve always felt comfortable approaching them with any questions, whether it’s about the course material or advice for my future career, and they’ve never hesitated to offer guidance.

This supportive attitude extends beyond the classroom, too. From the library staff who are always willing to help with research resources, to the gym staff who encourage you to stay active and healthy, it’s clear that the whole university is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment. It’s such a great feeling to know that I have such a solid support system here at Leeds Beckett, no matter what I’m dealing with. It really makes all the difference in helping me feel secure and confident as I work towards my goals.

Social life

Moving to a different city can feel incredibly daunting, and I won’t lie — the idea of making new friends terrified me at first (I’m definitely not the most outgoing person). But one thing I quickly realised is that Leeds Beckett really makes it easy to meet people and form connections. There are so many societies and sports teams here, it’s almost impossible not to find a group of people with similar interests. Whether you’re into football, photography, gaming, or something totally niche, there’s a space for you to get involved.

Last year, I stayed at Carnegie Village, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better place to start making friends. The reception staff organised all kinds of fun events, from movie nights to meet-and-greets, which made it so much easier to connect with people who lived nearby. It was a great way to break the ice and find people I could bond with, even if we didn’t have much in common at first.

Even in my course, the lecturers do a great job of incorporating practical and fun activities into the curriculum. These aren’t just about learning the material — they’re designed to bring students together and encourage teamwork. It’s been such a great way to get to know my classmates better, including people I might not have naturally interacted with outside of class. In the end, university is all about forming connections, and I’ve found that Leeds Beckett does an amazing job of creating opportunities to build friendships, whether that’s through accommodation events, course activities, or joining clubs and societies.

The city of Leeds

While it’s not the most important factor when choosing a university, the social scene can definitely make a difference — and Leeds really delivers in that department. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first arrived, but I quickly discovered that Leeds is an amazing city for going out, whether it’s hitting the clubs or grabbing a drink at one of the many cool bars. The nightlife here has something for everyone, whether you’re into dancing the night away or just enjoying a relaxed evening with friends.

What I love most is how active the university is in organising events. Leeds Beckett often host their own social events, and they’re always lively, fun, and a great way to meet new people. There’s never a dull moment, and I’ve found that there’s always something to do — whether it’s a themed night, a live music event, or even just hanging out at a local pub. The best part is that you don’t have to go far to find these events; they’re always happening right around the corner, whether on campus or in the heart of the city. So, if you’re someone who enjoys a good time, you won’t ever feel bored here.

As someone who honestly had no idea what I was doing when it came to choosing my university, I can confidently say I am beyond happy I picked Leeds Beckett. When I look back, it was such a leap of faith, but I truly couldn’t have made a better decision. I absolutely love my course, and it’s been everything I hoped for and more. The best part, though, has been the amazing people I’ve met along the way - I’ve made some lifelong friends, and together we get to explore everything this city has to offer. Leeds has become a second home, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else!